PLF Cup takes off

THE maiden Premier Futsal League (PFL) Cup swings into action today when PFL champions Automotive FC take on Division One representative Christian Academy in a Group A fixture at Automotive Futsal Arena.

Lilanda Bullets will play Kafue Saints in another Group A fixture and Automotive FC coach Andrea Christoforetti who is unbeaten in the PFL as the team dominate the 10- team PFL table with 27-points, is anticipating stiff competition.

Despite Automotive being the favourites, Christoforetti believes K-Line FC and DS Isoka who have been placed in group B and C respectively will give Automotive tough competition.

The expatriate Italian Futsal trainer believes newcomers such as Zanaco and Pioneer Avengers who compete in Division One would also put up a spirited fight to win the maiden PFL Cup.

“The PFL Cup is similar to the FA Cup in England where teams from the lower division are able to feel what it means to play with teams in the Premier League.

“We will have teams competing for two trophies instead of one. Isoka and K-Line are doing great work this season and the Bullets can always compete,” Christoforetti said.

“We are also curious to see how the newcomers such as Zanaco and Pioneer Avengers will react. It will be a good chance to understand the level of completion of the teams,” he said.

Group B action will see Kabwe K-Line taking on Veterans FC as Pioneer Avengers will lock horns with Livingstone Pirates.

In Group C, DS Isoka and Bill FC will face off with DS Academy set to take on Chipata Boys.

Kitwe Bullets and Monze George FC will compete in group D alongside Division one representatives, Efford Chabala, Tamanga and Zanaco who will begin their Cup campaign with a tie against Monze George while Kitwe Bullets will play Efford Chabala FC on match day one.

The four teams which will not be in action on match day one include CSS Petauke, Tamanga, Siavonga Beetles and BS Stars as they will be on bye.

The first two teams from each group will qualifying for the quarterfinals.